This article appears in Upscale Living Magazine. Link here.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland, is a vibrant village in the Swiss Alps stretching from the Rhône Valley to the Plaine Morte Glacier. It is a sunny mountain region with breathtaking mountain peak views from Bietschhorn to Mont Blanc via the Matterhorn. Located in the French-speaking Valais, this gorgeous destination is part of the authentic Alps destinations called The Best of the Alps. It is awarded the label “Family Destination” by the Swiss Tourism Federation.
Where To Stay
Six Senses in Crans-Montana is nestled in a forest of pine trees on the slope side of the mountain, and as with every Six Senses property, this hotel focuses on wellness and relaxation. It is a beautiful spot to decompress after a sporty day on the mountain. Their spa offers multiple treatments and programs to help travelers loosen stressed muscles or get sleep therapy interventions that work so well you might just put the art of sheep counting out of business. Little ones enjoy the Earth Lab and kid’s club, and teenagers keep entertained with a tricked-out game room and disco. Pack light, and don’t take up valuable luggage space because Six Senses has you covered with the following items—rain jackets, umbrellas, and day knapsacks. The fully stocked mini-bar includes Swiss wines, Swiss gins with mixers, and a 24-hour hospitality area with tea, coffee, and sweet treats. Many alpine adventures require early morning departures before restaurants are open; Six Senses’ room service is exceptionally accommodating. Order an eclectic assortment of American-style breakfast items or try their alpine gourmet cuisine. Everything arrives precisely as expected, tastes terrific, and starts the day off on the right foot.
Crans-Montana also offers luxury home rentals, charming bed and breakfasts, and, for the more adventurous, a mountain hut experience – Cabane des Violettes. Mountain guide Pierre-Olivier Bagnoud and chef Franck Reynaud operate this unique accommodation. The hut and restaurant, accessed by a gondola, are located 2,208 meters above the majestic ski area.
Golfing Range Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club
Summer to Do’s
Hiking: Crans-Montana is a hiker’s paradise with 65 kilometers of hiking trails. Try the easy yet dare-devilish trail, not for the faint of heart, offering breathtaking views on the narrowest section of the Bisse du Ro path to a hanging bridge.
Golf: Golfers flock to the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club for a round of golf 1,500 meters high with views of Mont Blanc and The Matterhorn. Spectators attend an Alps favorite event each summer, the Omega Masters Tournament.
Paragliding in Crans-Montana photo by Priscilla
Paragliding: What better way to take in the area’s panoramic views than having an exhilarating paragliding experience? Adventure seekers hike for two hours with the chute backpacks on their backs up the Bisse du Tsitorett, passing by stunning La Tieche waterfalls on the ascent. Fly in tandem, effortlessly paragliding over the Sierre Valley with the expert and fun-loving pilots from Flyin’ High.
Wine tasting: Crans-Montana has several excellent winemakers from which to choose. Visit the family-run wine-tasting room at La Tambourin. Vineyard grapes are brought into the family home basement, processed by hand, and made into award-winning wine by owner Ismael Bonvin.
Shopping: Rue du Prado boasts dozens of shops and boutiques where you can find top luxury brands like Hermès, Moncler, Mont Blanc, and Yves Delorme. Wine and chocolate shops, as well as stores for sporting goods, are bountiful.
Racelette menu at Le Mayen
Where to Eat and Drink
Crans-Montana has several super lunch spots to whet your appetite in authentic Alpine restaurants. Six Senses’ Wild Cabin serves specialty wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and healthy, gluten-free options. Try the delightful Le Mayen, which specializes in raclette featuring four local (Valais region) cheeses for a casual lunch in Montana.
A dinner must is Le Mont-Blanc’s one Michelin-star restaurant at Hotel LeCrans, where diners feast on sumptuous cuisine and sensational views of the mountains and valleys below. Opt for their Terroir Tasting Menu, a thrilling meal with masterful food and wine pairings.
Sunset cocktails at The Beach Club for an après hiking happy hour are popular with locals and visitors.
Travel Tips
The nearest airport is Geneva. Swiss Rail offers trains that take about three hours or rent a car and drive the three hours. Rent your car on the Swiss side and return to the Swiss side, or schedule a driver to take you to/from Crans-Montana – no vehicle is needed once you arrive.
